2012 Record: 95-67 (804 RS, 668 RA, 96-66 pythag. record), won AL East, swept in ALCS

Top stories from last week:

• The Yankees plugged two big position player holes last week. First they signed Kevin Youkilis to a one-year deal worth $12M to play third base, then they re-signing Ichiro Suzuki to a two-year, $13M deal to play right field.
• Vernon Wells and maybe Michael Bourn were among the players the Yankees reportedly had interest in these last few days. On the other hand, Troy Glaus and Cody Ransom reached out to the team.
• CC Sabathia plans to begin throwing soon after Christmas following October surgery to remove a bone chip from his elbow, which is his usual offseason schedule.
• Left-hander Josh Spence was designated for assignment to clear room on the 40-man roster for Youkilis. The Yankees signed catcher Bobby Wilson and infielder Gil Velazquez to minor league contracts.
• The Yankees opted out of MLB’s secondary market agreement with StubHub and will forge a new agreement with TicketMaster.
• MLB hit the Yankees with an $18,917,994 luxury tax bill for the 2012 season.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

2012 Record: 95-67 (804 RS, 668 RA, 96-66 pythag. record), won AL East, swept in ALCS

Top stories from last week:

• The Winter Meetings took place in Nashville, and the biggest story in Yankeeland was Alex Rodriguez‘s latest hip injury. He’ll have surgery for a torn labrum, a bone impingement, and to correct a cyst in mid-January. A-Rod will miss the start of next season and is expected to be out 4-6 months following surgery. The team does have insurance on his contract.
• During his Winter Meetings press conference, Joe Girardi confirmed that Derek Jeter (ankle), CC Sabathia (elbow), and Curtis Granderson (eyes) are all doing well. The skipper also discussed a number of other topics.
• In the wake of A-Rod injury, the Yankees offered Kevin Youkilis a one-year contract worth $12M. They’re still waiting for his answer. The club also made an offer to Nate Schierholtz before he signed with the Cubs. Brian Cashman reportedly lacked the authority to make contract offers at the Winter Meetings.
• Among the players the Yankees were connected to at the Winter Meetings: Stephen Drew, Scott Hairston, Cody Ross, Mark Reynolds, A.J. Pierzynski, Jeff Keppinger, Eric Chavez, Shane Victorino, Jack Hannahan, Alex Gonzalez, R.A. Dickey, and maybe Asdrubal Cabrera. Keppinger (White Sox), Reynolds (Indians), and Chavez (Diamondbacks) all signed elsewhere.
• Unsurprisingly, Robinson Cano will not give the Yankees a hometown discount with his next contract. Scott Boras confirmed the two sides have not have any contract talks. Cano will play in the World Baseball Classic.
• The Yankees are likely to re-sign Ichiro Suzuki, though they have kicked the tires on Josh Hamilton as well. Brett Gardner avoided arbitration by signing a one-year, $2.85MM contract for next season.
• Jayson Nix cleared waivers and accepted his assignment to Triple-A while Mickey Storey was re-claimed off waivers by the Astros. Eli Whiteside wound up with the Blue Jays via waivers.
• The Yankees are looking into hiring an assistant hitting coach.
• The Yankees neither selected nor lost any players in the Rule 5 Draft.
• Mariano Rivera will announce his plans for the 2014 season during Spring Training.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

2012 Record: 95-67 (804 RS, 668 RA, 96-66 pythag. record), won AL East, swept in ALCS

Top stories from last week:

• The Yankees re-signed two of their own last week, bringing both Andy Pettitte ($12M plus incentives) and Mariano Rivera ($10M plus incentives) back on one-year contract. Russell Martin, however, signed a two-year deal worth $17M with the Pirates. The Yankees did not make him an offer.
• Injury News: Alex Rodriguez (hip) experienced tightness and visited Dr. Mark Phillippon in Colorado recently.
• Ichiro Suzuki is tired of waiting around and is talking with other clubs. Eric Chavez plans to play next season and the Yankees continue to seek infield help.
• The Winter Meetings open this week, and among the players the Yankees reportedly have interest in are Shane Victorino and the recently-non-tendered Nate Schierholtz. They have yet to show interest in A.J. Pierzynski.
• The Yankees avoided arbitration with both Jayson Nix and Eli Whiteside, then designated them for assignment along with Mickey Story. Right-hander Jim Miller was claimed off waivers from the Athletics.
• The Red Sox hired Low-A Charleston hitting coach Greg Colbrunn to be their big league hitting coach while the Yankees hired Pete Mackanin as a Major League scout.
• MLB and NPB are discussing changes to the posting system.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

2012 Record: 95-67 (804 RS, 668 RA, 96-66 pythag. record), won AL East, swept in ALCS

Top stories from last week:

• The Yankees made their first major move of the offseason prior to Thanksgiving, re-signing Hiroki Kuroda to a one-year deal worth $15M. He took less money to return to New York. Meanwhile, Andy Pettitte could make a decision about 2013 this week.
• Ichiro Suzuki is willing to wait for the Yankees to take care of other business before approaching them about a new contract. The team has not made Russell Martin an offer and there is nothing new to report with Mariano Rivera. The Yankees have “significant interest” in re-signing Raul Ibanez.
• News Corp. agreed to purchase 49% of the YES Network from various non-Yankees investors, and the deal should close by the end of the calendar year. The agreement will put $420M in the team’s pocket over the next three years and keep the club on YES through 2042.
• Among the players the Yankees were rumored to have interest in last week were Giancarlo Stanton, Jeff Keppinger, and Stephen Drew. The team is expected to bottom-feed for rotation depth later in the offseason.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

2012 Record: 95-67 (804 RS, 668 RA, 96-66 pythag. record), won AL East, swept in ALCS

Top stories from last week:

• The Yankees didn’t make any notable moves this week, but their competition did. The Blue Jays swung a massive 12-player blockbuster with the Marlins while the Tigers reeled in Torii Hunter with a two-year pact.
• Injury News: Derek Jeter (ankle) is “a little bit of a question” for Opening Day according to Joe Girardi. Michael Pineda (shoulder) continued his throwing program after being cleared by a doctor during a check-up.
• Hiroki Kuroda is said to prefer playing in Southern California. The Yankees have had “preliminary discussions” about bringing Raul Ibanez back, and they’re reportedly open to re-signing Rafael Soriano to a two-year deal. Talks “are ongoing” with Russell Martin.
• The Yankees are said to have interest in free agents Scott Hairston and Mike Napoli, and trade interest in Rickey Nolasco.
• News Corp. is closing in on a deal to purchase a minority share in the YES Network.
• The Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees have been renamed the RailRiders.
• Robinson Cano finished fourth in the AL MVP voting.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

2012 Record: 95-67 (804 RS, 668 RA, 96-66 pythag. record), won AL East, swept in ALCS

Top stories from last week:

• Hiroki Kuroda, Nick Swisher, and Rafael Soriano all declined their qualifying offers before Friday’s deadline. The Yankees are now entitled to draft pick compensation if they sign with another team. Kuroda is open to signing elsewhere and the Yankees still haven’t heard from Andy Pettitte about 2013 yet. The Yankees are preparing to offer Mariano Rivera a pay cut.
• Robinson Cano is among five MVP finalists, and Scott Boras expects the second baseman to play out 2013 before signing a new contract. Cano and Derek Jeter won the Silver Slugger Awards at their respective positions.
• Joakim Soria is willing to work as a setup man for the Yankees. The team had interest in David Ross before he signed with the Red Sox. The Dodgers won the bidding for Korean southpaw Hyun-Jin Ryu.
• Brian Cashman said there has been some dialogue with Ichiro Suzuki‘s camp, but none with Melky Cabrera, Andruw Jones, and Justin Upton. The latter is on the trade market yet again. The Yankees won’t offer Torii Hunter two years and are seeking an upgrade over Jayson Nix.
• The Yankees claimed three players off waivers last week: catcher Eli Whiteside, right-hander David Herndon, and left-hander Josh Spence. Ramiro Pena headlined the crop of players who became minor league free agents.
• Four position players top Baseball America’s list of the top ten Yankees prospects.
• Tino Martinez left the front office to take over as the Marlins hitting coach.
• Michael Pineda has started throwing off flat ground.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

2012 Record: 95-67 (804 RS, 668 RA, 96-66 pythag. record), won AL East, swept in ALCS

Top stories from last week:

• Mariano Rivera informed the Yankees that he intends to pitch next season after some having some second thoughts. The two sides will discuss a new contract this week.
• Rafael Soriano officially opted out of his contract, and the Yankees exercised their club options for Robinson Cano, Curtis Granderson, and David Aardsma. A total of 13 Yankees became free agents this week, though only Soriano, Nick Swisher, and Hiroki Kuroda received qualifying offers.
• The Yankees have some interest in re-signing Ichiro Suzuki and Raul Ibanez to short-term contracts, and they also have interest in Torii Hunter. Kuroda is “content” with another one-year contract and he’s reportedly deciding between the Yankees and Japan.
• Pitching coach Larry Rothschild admitted that the club has discussed lightening CC Sabathia‘s workload at times. The Yankees are considering moving Brett Gardner to center field and Granderson to a corner next year.
• The Yankees will keep Cesar Cabral through the offseason and take another look at the 2011 Rule 5 Draft pick during Spring Training. Fellow Rule 5 pick Brad Meyers was returned to the Nationals and Casey McGehee elected free agency.
• Korean left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu was posted by his team and MLB clubs will soon be able to start bidding for his services.
• Cano and Mark Teixeira won Gold Gloves at their respective positions. Russell Martin was a finalist for the award as well.
• Gil Patterson was hired as the minor league pitching coordinator while Nardi Contreras was re-assigned.
• Yankee Stadium is in good shape following Hurricane Sandy.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

2012 Record: 95-67 (804 RS, 668 RA, 96-66 pythag. record), won AL East, swept by Tigers in ALCS

Top stories from last week:

• Joe Girardi discussed a number of topics during his end-of-season press conference, including his relationship with Alex Rodriguez, injuries, the upcoming offseason, and his own contract status. Click here for a full recap.
• Injury News: CC Sabathia (elbow) had arthroscopic surgery to remove bone spurs and will be ready in time for Spring Training. Michael Pineda (shoulder) isn’t expected back until June of next year. Andruw Jones (finger) played hurt in the second half. Top prospect Mason Williams (shoulder) has been cleared to resume working out following surgery.
• Mariano Rivera is having second thoughts about returning to pitch in 2013, telling Brian Cashman that he has yet to make a decision about his future. Ichiro Suzuki reportedly “strongly wants to stay” with the Yankees, however. Clubs have yet to inquire about acquiring Alex Rodriguez. Derek Lowe will look for work as a starter this winter.
• Cashman said the club won’t get younger unless it makes the team better, and he hedged his bets when asked if Raul Ibanez and/or Russell Martin could be back next year. He also said he doesn’t consider Eduardo Nunez anything but a shortstop.
• The Yankees re-signed LHP Juan Cedeno, OF Abe Almonte, OF/DH Cody Johnson, and LHP Francisco Rondon to minor league contracts.
• Mark Teixeira took home the Fielding Bible Award at first base.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

Regular Season Record: 95-67 (804 RS, 668 RA, 96-66 pythag. record), won AL East by two games
Playoff Record: 3-2 win in ALDS (16 RS, 10 RA), 4-0 loss in ALCS (6 RS, 19 RA)

Top stories from last week:

• The Yankees opened the week already down two games to none in the best-of-seven ALCS to the Tigers. Monday was a scheduled off-day, then the Bombers dropped Game Three to Justin Verlander on Tuesday. Game Four was rained out on Wednesday, but the Yankees got swept and lost the series when CC Sabathia got rocked on Thursday.
• Injury News: Derek Jeter (ankle) had surgery and will need 4-5 months to recover. CC Sabathia (elbow) will have a possible bone spur looked at by Dr. James Andrew. Phil Hughes (back) was cleared to throw after leaving ALCS Game Three will stiffness. Curtis Granderson (eyes) will see a specialist.
• Reports surfaced that the Yankees had discussed an Alex Rodriguez trade with the Marlins, but Brian Cashman shot them down. A-Rod said he doesn’t want to leave New York and Cashman reiterated that he won’t look to trade his third baseman.
• Robinson Cano is looking for ten years and “top-of-the-market dollars” with his next contract. Rafael Soriano is expected to opt-out of his deal, and Andy Pettitte expects to decide whether he’ll pitch next year within a month.
• The Yankees will exercise Granderson’s option for 2013 and tender qualifying offers to both Nick Swisher and Soriano. Cashman considers all of the coaches safe.
• Cory Wade was claimed off waivers by the Blue Jays while Rota Igarashi, Darnell McDonald, and Justin Thomas all elected free agency. Japanese right-handers Shohei Otani and Kyuji Fujikawa will both look to join an MLB team as free agents this winter.
• The Yankees are seeking new ownership partners for the YES Network.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

Regular Season Record: 95-67 (804 RS, 668 RA, 96-66 pythag. record), won AL East by two games
Playoff Record: 3-2 win in ALDS (16 RS, 10 RA), down 2-0 in ALCS (4 RS, 9 RA)
Schedule This Week: Mon. OFF, ALCS Game Three @ Tigers (Tues.), ALCS Game Four @ Tigers (Weds.), ALCS Game Five @ Tigers (Thurs. if necessary), Fri. OFF, ALCS Game Six vs. Tigers (Sat. if necessary), ALCS Game Seven vs. Tigers (Sun. if necessary)

Top stories from last week:

• The week opened with the Yankees already up 1-0 in the ALDS, but the Orioles took Game Two in Camden Yards. Following an off-day on Tuesday, Raul Ibanez became an instant hero with a pair of solo homers — game-tying in the ninth as a pinch-hitter for Alex Rodriguez, walk-off in the 13th — in the Game Three win. The Yankees didn’t hit a lick in the Game Four loss, but CC Sabathia carried his club to the Game Five and series win with a complete game on Friday.
• With no rest between series, the Yankees opened the ALCS against the Tigers on Saturday. Eduardo Nunez was taken off the roster in favor of Cody Eppley, giving the club 12 pitchers for the round. Ibanez hit another miraculous game-tying homer in the ninth inning of Game One, but the Yankees wound up losing in extra innings anyway. Hiroki Kuroda started Game Two on short rest, though the offense did nothing with his gem in the loss.
• Injury News: Derek Jeter (ankle) suffered a fracture in Game One of the ALCS and will miss the rest of the postseason. The recovery time is three months and he is expected to be ready in time for Spring Training. Joba Chamberlain (elbow) was hit by a broken bat in Game Three of the ALDS but has since returned to action. Mariano Rivera (knee) has resumed running but still won’t return to the team this year.
• Andy Pettitte hinted at a possible 2013 return again. Cory Wade was designated for assignment so Dellin Betances could be activated off the 60-day DL and pitch in the Arizona Fall League.
• The Yankees placed four players on Baseball America’s top 20 High-A Florida State League prospects list but zero on the Double-A Eastern League list.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.